Modeling Osteoarthritis Using Three-Dimensional Culture

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by the degradation of cartilage caused by dysregulated and inappropriate anabolic and catabolic responses. To study this degeneration in vitro, three-dimensional (3D) culture provides a better model of the in vivo environment compared to the 2D culture along with a multitude of other benefits, providing greater insight into the progression of OA. These 3D cultures can be used in inflammation modeling of OA, demonstrating the effect of inflammatory agents such as cytokines or macrophages. In 3D damage modeling of OA, a wide variety of factors are used to cause damage, and researchers may observe repair and the progression of damage. Therapeutic modeling of OA using 3D culture allows researchers to test possible therapeutic modalities. This review highlights the benefits of 3D culture, and how, when used in inflammation, damage, and therapeutic models, brings a deeper understanding of OA.